shift knob removal-380SL
 

Can anyone tell me if the factory shift knob on 380SL will simply unscrew off the shaft. I've tried it with moderate pressure and nothing budged. The replacement wood knob is threaded at the bottom, so I am assuming that the factory knob must srew off. Can anybody confirm this. Thanks

The knob does NOT unscrew off of the shaft. The knob and the shaft are one complete assembly.
There is a jam nut at the base of the shifter shaft that has to be loosened in order to unscrew the shifter assembly. To do this, you need to remove the wood console piece, which is actually pretty easy.
Let me know if you instructions to remove the wood console.

Thanks for the reply. Once the knob and shaft are out, I'm still stuck with getting the factory knob off so the new wood knob can be installed. The wood knob is threaded where it connects to the shaft. Any word of wisdom on that issue? Leo

What year is your 380SL?
When I replaced the factory shifter with a wooden shifter on my '78 450SL, I had to replace the knob and shaft as one assembly, because the knob could NOT be removed from the shaft. There was no separate knob available for my year SL.
I'm not certain if that changed on the later model SL's. Check the application requirements for your model year.

Neil450, got your e-mail regarding the ebay auction. I have it on my watch list. Deleted your e-mail b/4 I replied, so hope you see this. I have a catalogue from Signature Line Accessories that shows a conversion shaft for 107's with threads on the top for a knob for $15. That's the way to go I think.